Overview

Dr Jonathan King explained the need for clear procedures on how best to integrate and coordinate the activities recommended by WHO, including drug distribution, data reporting, and monitoring and evaluation, between lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis programmes to accelerate elimination. The specific objectives of the meeting were:

to define the implementation units (IU) of mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis and harmonize the methods of coverage estimation in both programmes to facilitate coordinated and integrated reporting;

to define the status of co-endemicity of lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis and loiasis at the district level and clarify the recommended intervention strategies for each situation;

to discuss how best to integrate and coordinate drug distribution and reporting of treatment data between the two programmes; and

to review the progress of operational research and the available evidence supporting integrated surveys and vector surveillance.